Tamper evident security device having a double click seal

Abstract

An improved seal for a tamper evident security device employs out-of-plane curved barbs and an elongated slot to provide visual and tactile indications of proper seal installation. The out-of-plane curved barbs require elevating the seal body for installation. Only if the barbs are properly inserted into a seal receptacle does the body then assume a flat contiguous position. The elongated slot cooperates with a raised bar on the security device to provide a second distinct indication of proper seal installation.

1. A tamper evident security device comprising:
 a seal receptacle for receiving compressible barbs extending from a seal and requiring breaking of the seal to open the security device; 
 said seal having a substantially planar body and said compressible barbs extending from said body for first locking engagement with said seal receptacle in a first position; said barbs extending out of the plane of said body, said body being supported relative to said seal receptacle at an angular elevation in said first position having said barbs fully engaged with said seal receptacle, said body being at a zero elevation in a second position, said barbs being configured thereby to be fully engaged with said receptacle before said body angular elevation can be reduced to zero, said body in said second position forming a second locking engagement with a flange member extending from said seal receptacle, whereby an elevated position of said seal indicates improper engagement of said seal and said seal receptacle. 
 
     
     
       2. The device recited in  claim 1  wherein said seal receptacle has a raised bar and said seal body comprises a slot for receiving said bar. 
     
     
       3. The device recited in  claim 1  wherein said seal barbs emit a perceptible indication when they properly engage said receptacle. 
     
     
       4. The device recited in  claim 1  wherein said seal body slot emits a perceptible indication when it properly engages said raised barb. 
     
     
       5. An improved tamper evident security device having a frangible seal received in a seal receptacle, the seal preventing the opening of the security device without first breaking the seal thereby leaving evidence of tampering; the improvement comprising:
 a seal having a body portion and a plurality of out-of-plane compressible barbs that are configured to protrude vertically and laterally from said body portion so tat they can be inserted into said seal receptacle only when said seal is first angled upwardly from said security device, said barbs in a first position forming a first locking engagement with said seal receptacle, said seal being supported by a flange member extending from said seal receptacle to remain in said first position at an angled upward position having said barbs fully engaged with said seal receptacle, said body portion being at a zero elevation in a second position to form a second locking engagement with said flange member. 
 
     
     
       6. The improvement recited in  claim 5  further comprising a slot and bar interface between said seal and said seal receptacle, said barbs being configured to be fully engaged within said seal receptacle before said interface can be activated. 
     
     
       7. The improvement recited in  claim 5  wherein said said body portion is substantially planar and wherein said barbs extend out-of-the-plane of said body portion. 
     
     
       8. An improved tamper evident security device having a frangible seal received in a seal receptacle, the seal preventing the opening of the security device without first breaking the seal thereby leaving evidence of tampering; the improvement comprising:
 a seal having a body portion and a plurality of out-of-plane compressible barbs that are configured to protrude vertically and laterally from said body portion, said barbs in a first position forming a first locking engagement with said seal receptacle, said seal being supported by a flange member extending from said seal receptacle to remain in said first position at an angled upward position having said barbs fully engaged with said seal receptacle, said body portion being at a zero elevation in a second position to form a second locking engagement with said flange member; and, 
 a slot and bar interface between said seal and said seal receptacle, said interface preventing said seal from seating into said receptacle until fully engaged therewith.